UMAC Game of the Week: Minnesota Morris vs. St. Scholastica - Women's Basketball

UMAC Game of the Week: Minnesota Morris vs. St. Scholastica - Women's Basketball

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The UMAC Game of the Week runs each Thursday during the conference regular season and breaks down one key matchup from one sport. 

The Matchup
Saturday, Dec. 16 - St. Scholastica at Minnesota Morris, women's basketball, 5 p.m. in Morris, Minnesota

What's at Stake
  • Classic rivalry - When St. Scholastica and Minnesota Morris meet, there is always a must-win feeling, especially as the final game of 2017. 
  • Postseason hopes - St. Scholastica has missed out on each of the last two UMAC playoffs and a win over a top-two conference foe could be a difference-maker late in the season. The Cougars are searching for a 13th-straight postseason bid.
  • Morale boost - Both squads have had a tough start to the conference season drawing reigning champion University of Wisconsin-Superior and recording just one win each. A win in the final game before the holiday break could be critical in shifting the momentum for the rest of the season. 
Previously in Action
  • Minnesota Morris drew the bye Wednesday and fell last Saturday to Wisconsin-Superior on the road 67-57. 
  • St. Scholastica picked up its first conference win Wednesday with a 60-48 defeat of North Central University.  

Need to Know
  • From downtown - The Saints are second in cofnerence games in 3-point shooting percentage(.297) and both teams average over six made a game. However, Minnesota Morris leads the league in 3-point defense (.154 %). The difference in the game could be a team's ability to make and defend shots from beyond the arc.
  • A tale of two seasons - St. Scholastica opened up winning three of its first four games and ended a three-game losing streak Wednesday, while the Cougars started 0-7 with three non-conference losses by five points or less. 
  • Sister-Sister - This matchup features the VanKempen sisters facing off as key role players for each respective squad. Abby VanKempen avearges a double-double for the Cougars, while Holly VanKempen leads the Saints in blocks. 

Players to Watch - Minnesota Morris
  • Kendra Raths, Jr., F - Honorable Mention last season; UMAC Stats: 13.5 ppg, .400 FG%, Leads UMAC in blocks (2.0 blk/g)
  • Elli Stevenson, Jr., G - All-UMAC last season; UMAC Stats: 13.0 ppg, .500 FG%, Leads UMAC in assists (5.5 ast/g)
  • Abby VanKempen, So., F- UMAC Stats: 11.0 ppg, 1.5 blk/g, 3.5 stl/g, Lead UMAC in rebounds (11.5 rpg)

Players to Watch - St. Scholastica
  • Danielle Cieluch, Jr., G - UMAC Stats: 8.0 ppg, 6.7 rpg, 2.3 ast/g
  • Kaylee Kennedy, Fy., G - UMAC Stats: 14.3 ppg, .500 FG%
  • Chelsea Swatek, Fy., G - UMAC Stats: 13.0 ppg, .889 FT%, Leads UMAC in 3-ptrs made per game (2.3)
This game will be a "can't miss." Keep up with all the action with live stats and live video for the game. Get in on the action by interacting on social media (#UMACgotw). 

2017-18 Game of the Week Archives